What type of government is in power in Bhutan?
Bhutan has been a constitutional monarchy since 2008. King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck currently reigns, crowned on November 6, 2008. The country transitioned from an absolute monarchy (since 1907) to a democratic system with its first general elections in 2008.
A Modern Constitutional Monarchy
Since 2008, Bhutan has operated under a constitutional monarchy regime. This transformation marks the end of more than a century of absolute monarchy that had ruled the kingdom since 1907.
The Current King
Jigme Khesar Wangchuck has reigned over Bhutan since his coronation on November 6, 2008 at 8:31 AM precisely. Son of former king Jigme Singye Wangchuck, he was the world's youngest sovereign at the time of his accession to the throne.
The Democratic Transition of 2008
The year 2008 marked a historic turning point with:
- The organization of the country's first general elections
- The adoption of a democratic constitution
- The establishment of an elected parliament alongside the monarchy
This unique political evolution makes Bhutan one of the world's newest democracies.